'That's enough': Read the jaw-dropping words magistrate, 68, uttered at funeral of his 23-year-old fiancée - leaving her mother so outraged she demanded he stop his speech
The words a magistrate used to describe his much younger fiancée at her funeral infuriated her grieving family so much they asked him to stop speaking mid-sentence.
Court clerk Ashleigh Petrie was just 23 when she died after being hit by a car in eastern Victoria in October of 2019.
Her death came shortly after her relationship with high profile Victorian magistrate Rod Higgins, 68, went public in the media.
At her funeral in Werribee, in Melbourne's west, Mr Higgins told the mourners it was the 'saddest time of his life' and that his former partner - who he had recently proposed to in Fiji - was 'externally as attractive as a woman could possibly be.'
He went on describe Miss Petrie's 'zest for life' before the language changed.
A few weeks after getting engaged in Fiji Ashleigh Petrie was killed after being hit by a car in Victoria - her fiancée later insulted his former partner at her funeral, angering her family
Ashleigh Petrie, 23, was bullied in her role as a court clerk in Victoria after dating magistrate Rod Higgins, who was 68
Mr Higgins publicly pointed to Miss Petrie's 'problems of anxiety and depression', before revealing she was on medication for a chemical imbalance in her brain.
When he also revealed her battles with depression had intensified her 'shortcomings', and that she constantly needed reassurance, her angry mother intervened, according to The Age.
'I think that's enough,' Theresa* Petrie said loudly, causing Mr Higgins to quickly sit down and end his 'tribute'.
In a move which has shocked many, Mr Higgins has since received the $180,000 super and life insurance payout from his fiancée - despite earning $324,000 himself annually as a magistrate.
Referring to himself on social media as 'Rocketman Rod', the grandfather-of-eight reportedly inquired about securing Miss Petrie's superannuation death benefit within 24 hours of her tragic death.
She had bequeathed the entire balance and death benefit to her mother, but Mr Higgins successfully argued he was her 'dependent' and therefore entitled to her super payout upon her death.
After Miss Petrie's death, Mr Higgins moved back to the riverside home in Shepparton he shared with his former partner, Lurline Le Neuf, to resume their 18-year relationship.
Stuart Gowty, 50, who dated Miss Petrie for five years, previously told Daily Mail Australia of his disgust and bitterness at Mr Higgins winning Miss Petrie's superannuation.
'Here's a guy earning a hell of a lot of money and is about to retire on a huge pension,' said Mr Gowty, who runs a picture framing business in Shepparton.
'And you've got a grieving mother with very little. I don't know what to say. I don't think it's the right thing. It's horrendous to see. It just keeps going.
'I know her mother very well and she's a grieving mother. I've maintained a close relationship with the mother and brother since.
'Every time something like this happens, it just brings up a whole heap of old wounds.'
Miss Petrie was struck by a vehicle and killed on Metung Road near Lakes Entrance in Victoria at about 1am.
Rod Higgins (pictured right) then successfully claimed his dead fiancée's super after claiming she was his 'dependent'
After Miss Petrie's death, Ian Higgins moved back to the riverside home in Shepparton he shared with his former partner, Lurline Le Neuf, to resume their 18-year relationship
Her sudden death shocked her colleagues at the time, who were offered counselling, while her friends and family - as well as strangers - took to her Facebook page in droves to express their condolences.
'Sad, so very sad. Young life cut short. You obviously had a lot of support out there in this trying time. Pity they didn't express their support sooner,' one said.
Another wrote: 'Ashleigh - I didn't know you but heard about you in recent weeks. I am so sad, so devastated. My thoughts with your family and friends. I know the angels in Heaven will be giving you those special hugs.'
'Tragic end. Poor girl. Sympathy to all her friends and family,' a third said.
* Name has been changed
If you or anyone you know is in need of mental health support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, for free confidential support.